Birthing classes?

Did you take one? What were your thoughts?

It seems that LIJ offers a preparation for childbirth class that is 185, and includes the tour and a breast feeding class at a later time. Or, we could just do the free tour and the breast feeding class which is 50.

Thoughts? We are first time parents.

Birthing classes?

I took them at our hospital. I felt like it helped me become more comfortable with the whole process and what to expect. Ours were "free" though if you were delivering there.

Edit. My husbands company also offered a four week course for free and we took that as we'll.

Message edited 12/12/2013 6:55:21 AM.

Re: Birthing classes?

We are doing one private class. Its 4 hours, at our house, and the instructor is a Bradley teacher. We didn't have time for the whole Bradley thing (its like 16 hours) so this was the best replacement. She also gave us all the DVDs she uses for the Bradley classes, so we got that information that we have been watching on our own schedule.

FM if you want her info.

Birthing classes?

We are taking a one day class given by the hospital- It is 7.5 hours including a tour of the hospital and costs $125. I am delivering at Weiler and they offer two different classes one is 4 three hours classes on Tuesday evenings for $175 and the other is the one day class that is 7.5 hours on a Saturday. I am not taking a breast feeding class because the hospital provides lactation consultation for all new moms.

Re: Birthing classes?

Birthing classes?

i took the exact class you are talking about at LIJ. i was not a fan of it and i personally dont think it is necessary. the hospital tour is great and i def suggest doing that - but that is free and you can do it without taking any of their paid classes.

the breast feeding class i didnt like...i already knew i wanted to try breastfeeding so imo it was a waste. if you dont know if you want to bf or not, then i suggest going to that class. basically all they did was go over all the benefits of breastfeeding (for you and the baby)...then they pass around dolls and show you how to hold them while feeding. the doll did not compare to having an actual baby in your arms trying to latch. LIJ has lactation consultants that will come to your room and give you help one on one...take advantage of that bc that is most beneficial. they help with latch, positioning etc. i will say, the first LC that came to my room was in a rush and not very helpful, but i asked the nurse to send someone else in the next day and she was great.

as far as the childbirth prep class itself...the teacher i had went over things that can happen while in labor. they stressed that you should be flexible bc you never know what can arise while in labor (ie you may want to go vaginally but have no choice and end up with a csection)...and then they go over the process. they also did breathing which was not helpful for me - when you are having actual contractions, you will breath however you are comfortable.

again, this is jmo. some people may have loved the class...but dh and i ended up leaving a few of the sessions early (we did the 3 nightly classes instead of the 1 full day). and after 2 of the classes i actually emailed a few LIfers to see if i missed anything and they all agreed they should have left early too bc it was a waste.

Birthing classes?

At CFA, we offer a Complete Childbirth Education class. It is amazing! It doesn't only cover Lamaze and breathing techniques, but body mechanics, the use of epidurals and other pain medications, the role of the coach, and what to expect before, during, and after labor. We offer group, semi-private, and private classes. We also have other wonderful classes for expectant and new parents. We offer infant and child CPR, breastfeeding, and New Moms Groups. Call us or visit our website for more information:
CFA 631-360-2880CFA classes

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Message edited 12/19/2013 1:36:35 PM.

Re: Birthing classes?

i took one for my first and it was a giant waste of time and money